SOUTH Australian children are leading the nation in technology use while also maintaining active lifestyles, new figures show.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, SA kids use the internet more than those in any other state and have the highest rate of mobile phone ownership.

But that doesn't mean they are a generation of couch potatoes as they also have the second-highest participation rate in organised sport, figures released last week show.

Experts say although 92 per cent of SA children use the internet compared to the national average of 90 per cent, it was not turning them away from sport. But they warned parents that surfing the net posed serious risks to their children.

ABS figures show the number of children aged five to 14 accessing the internet was up from 65 per cent in 2006. The advent of iPads and internet-connected mobile phones has contributed to the ease of access.

"Most schools also now have internet access and children are working on 'smart boards' that are internet connected," said Uni SA senior lecturer in Child Development Dr Glenn Cupit.

Although almost all children now have internet access they are more likely to be using it for education than entertainment.

The ABS shows 90 per cent of websites being visited by children in their homes is for educational purposes.

Dr Cupit believes SA scored 63 per cent participation rate in organised sport - just behind WA's 64 per cent and well above the lowest rate of 56.5 per cent in Queensland - due to the ease of travelling in Adelaide.

"Compared to Sydney it is much easier for parents to drive their children to sports training and matches here."

Child safety expert Freda Briggs said it was understandable 31 per cent of SA children (just above the 29 per cent national average) now have mobile phones but warned of the risks.

"Phones with internet access can be very dangerous as children can and do access pornography," she said.

Ms Briggs advised parents to not give their children phones with internet access and to use filters on their home computers.